1961 Proof Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-005
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Description
A multi-class doubled die of considerable complexity, the 1961 Proof Lincoln Memorial Cent WDDO-005 exhibits a Class II spread directed towards the center on the date and the letters of LIBERTY, combined with Class VI extra thickness on the letters of IN GOD WE TRUST. The simultaneous presence of two distinct doubling mechanisms — centripetal distorted hub doubling on the date and LIBERTY, alongside the design-element thickening that defines Class VI on the IGWT motto — points to an unusually disrupted hubbing sequence that affected multiple regions of the obverse die through different mechanical pathways. This dual-class characteristic sets WDDO-005 apart from the single-class varieties that make up the majority of the 1961 DDO population. A small die gouge appearing as a dot can be found in the field east of the lower lip on the obverse, serving as a distinctive facial marker for initial screening of candidate specimens. The reverse of this die is itself a doubled die, listed in the Wexler Doubled Die Files, making this a combined DDO/DDR variety — a die that carries hub doubling on both faces. Such dual-surface doubling is relatively uncommon and significantly enhances the numismatic interest of any coin struck from this die pairing. The multi-class obverse doubling, the obverse die gouge diagnostic, and the DDO/DDR combination all contribute to making WDDO-005 one of the most noteworthy doubled die varieties in the 1961 Proof Lincoln Memorial Cent series, deserving careful attention from collectors who value both visual impact and attribution complexity.
Die Markers
- Obverse: A small die gouge (dot) can be found in the field east of the lower lip. Reverse: The reverse is a doubled die listed in the Wexler Doubled Die Files as
Attribution History
- Discovered by Wexler Team